New Serbian-made self-propelled howitzer NORA B-52 K1 SP and Russian-made Metis M-1 anti-tank guided missiles entered in service with the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally handed over the Serbian-made 155mm NORA B-52 SP guns to the 11 SP Regiment, the lone SP Unit of Bangladesh Army, and the Russsia-made Metis M-1 missiles to the Infantry Regiment of Bangladesh Army in Tarmac Area at Dhaka Cantonment

She also handed over the China-made PF-98 anti-tank weapons and Turkey-made light armoured vehicles to the Infantry Regiment and sound ranging equipment to Locating Wing of the Artillery Regiment. On the occasion, a spectacular parade was held with the participation of the members of Artillery and Infantry Regiments of Bangladesh Army. The Prime Minister accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan inspected the parade riding on an open jeep.

The Premier also took a state salute. Lieutenant Col Md Aminul Islam and Captain Md Sajib were the parade commander and parade adjutant respectively.Ministers, defence adviser to the Prime Minister, the chief of air staff, defence attaches and advisers of different embassies and high commissions and high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh hoped that with the addition of most-modern canons, armoured vehicles and equipment, the moral strength of the Artillery and Infantry Regiments meaning all members of Bangladesh Army would be boosted to a great extent.“I think that induction of most modern equipment in Bangladesh Army would cross a crucial step in achieving the Forces Goal-2030,” she said.

Besides, she said, necessary equipment have been purchased for Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force.Sheikh Hasina said most modern SP guns, sound ranging equipment, anti-tank missiles and light armoured vehicles have been procured for Bangladesh Army to build it as a well-equipped modern force and Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Bangabandhu.

The Prime Minister said agreements have already been signed to buy more modern war equipment including the multiple rocket launcher system which would be inducted in the army very soon